ASK YOURSELF

Yes, probably old age will be somewhat different for you when you get there than it was when your ideas about it formed, but it is necessary to realize that, and acknowledge the beliefs you currently have about aging. You know about the mind/body connection I'm sure, so think about how important it is to check out just what you believe about aging. 

Our beliefs about aging are heavily influenced by what we've witnessed happening to grandparents and parents and older friends. So let's begin by trying to recall what our parents seemed to believe about getting old,  and what happened to them as they aged.

My Pops lived 20 years longer than my mother, and he lived alone in his own home. I did  ask him what he thought about aging and he said it's good to keep busy, take frequent naps, and enjoy whatever you're doing.  And when the time came that he needed help, he was forthright and honest about it and very appreciative of the help he received. He'd also admit that there were some pretty tough things about the last part of life in terms of physical pain and living with the knowledge that it needed to be over sooner than later.   Everyone agreed he was a sweet and kind person, and definitely a manly man.

Here are a couple of things to ask yourself as you examine your beliefs about aging:

 1.  What things about being old did your parents seem to believe?
 2.  What have all the older people you've known taught you about aging?